Emerging, talented young musicians open for the stars at Miami Jingle Ball
It was a celebration on a grand scale for some of South Florida’s local young musicians who joined global stars at the Miami Jingle Ball 2025.
Young Musicians Unite’s flagship band Undercover delivered a high-energy performance as the opener at the annual holiday concert at the Kaseya Center presented by iHeartRadio and Y100.
“Playing Miami Jingle Ball was the largest opportunity our students and organization have ever had. Moments like this do not happen by accident. They happen because someone is willing to trust young people who have put in the work. I want to sincerely thank Richard Bressler and iHeartRadio for believing in our students and opening the door to this experience,” said Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO of YMU.
The musicians in Undercover include Estelle Morales, voice (alum); Hannah Linder, voice; Valentina Koehler, voice; Noah Orlowsky, bass; Sam Greenwald, lead guitar/manager; Ella Arnold, guitar; Christian Barcelata, drums; London Roth, keys/voice; and Arnold Hill, sax/vocals (mentor).
When the band opened at the sold-out event in downtown Miami, they set the tone for a night featuring international and chart-topping performers including Nelly, Feid, and Monsta X.
The performance also marked the launch of a partnership between iHeartRadio and Young Musicians Unite aimed at expanding opportunities for young musicians across Miami. Undercover’s musicians also participated in red carpet appearances and media coverage including interviews with Y100 and NBC 6. And backstage, the students met and took photos with headline artists Machine Gun Kelly, Sean Paul, Zara Larsson, and Kehlani, creating meaningful moments of inspiration.
Miami-based Young Musicians Unite believes that all students in Miami-Dade County deserve access to music education regardless of socio-economic background. The group collaborates with schools to provide free music education that can inspire personal development, foster a sense of community, and prepare future leaders. Learn more at https://ymu.org/
Preservationist honored
One of our longtime residents, Josephine “JJ” Johnson, will be 101 years old on Jan. 25. She was born in 1925, only months before the city of Coral Gables was incorporated.
“She is Chair Emeritus of the University of Miami and is still a very active preservationist and member of our organization, Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables,” said Karelia Martinez Carbonell, president of the association.
In November, Johnson received a “Certificate of Recognition” from the Coral Gables City Commission that honored not only her life-long legacy, but also her numerous preservation works. It calls her a “True Coral Gables Treasure.”
Johnson’s tireless efforts include preserving steam ships in England, a cemetery in the Keys and historic districts in Coral Gables.
One of the certificate’s recognitions states: “In 1989, Johnson researched and championed the historic designation of the Cheeca Lodge cemetery in Islamorada, now known as the Pioneer Cemetery, saving this sacred site for future generations — an accomplishment of which she is most proud.”
She also authored “SS Asteroid or Tell it to the Bees” in 2009, chronicling “with humor and heart her restoration of an historic World War II vessel that rescued troops from Dunkirk.”
Martinez Carbonell said Johnson and her late husband founded the Coral Gables Deerborne School, which is now gone.
“It stood on Sevilla Avenue. Emmy award-winning journalist Jackie Nespral is an alum,” Martinez Carbonell said. “Dr. Johnson lives in a beautifully restored Old Spanish on Alcazar Avenue in a historic district that she and her neighbors helped designate. Her story is an inspiration to all!”
Beaux Arts Festival is coming up soon
More than 200 juried fine art exhibitors will be at the 75th annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17-18 on the UM campus. The two-day outdoor event is along Stanford Drive in front of the Lowe Art Museum. Admission is free thanks to presenting sponsor UHealth Jackson Urgent Care.
Recognized as one of South Florida’s leading art shows, the festival attracts acclaimed artists from all over the country. More than $20,000 in prizes are awarded to exhibiting artists.
“Celebrating 75 years of the Beaux Arts Festival of Art is truly remarkable,” said Francesca Valdes, Beaux Arts president for 2025–2026. “This event has become a cherished community tradition, bringing people together through creativity year after year. We’re honored to mark this milestone and continue sharing exceptional art with South Florida.”
The festival has been bringing families together with art since its founding in 1952 by a small group of women. Now, more than 100 active members and 350 associates share a common purpose — to increase art appreciation in the community and support the Lowe Art Museum.
The festival continues to be volunteer run, and is co-chaired this year by Amber Seidle-Lazo and Kaitlyn Rieder.
Organizers said the festival “draws more than 25,000 visitors each year offering artwork in a variety of mediums and price points.” In addition to fine art, there will be live music, interactive art experiences for children and adults, and a marketplace with local vendors and dining.
And two patron-favorites are returning: The Children’s Art Park where children of all ages will have the opportunity to create their own art, and The Community Art Tent which will have an activity for the family to enjoy. More at https://beauxartsmiami.org/
